[Percutaneous tenorrhaphy for Achilles tendon rupture. Study of 29 cases]

Closed percutaneous repair, described first by Ma and Griffith in 1977, have bridged the gap between surgical and conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of percutaneous repair.

Between 1994 and 1996, 28 patients (18 male, 10 female) with 29 spontaneous ruptures of the Achilles tendon (one bilateral case) underwent percutaneous repair based on approximation and bringing closer both ends of the ruptured tendon using a subcutaneous suture. Material used was 2 Dacron yarn suture 30 cm length fitted with a 5 mm wide harpon and with its other end crimped into a malleable needle 12 cm length. Early mobilization was encouraged, partial weight bearing allowed at 3 weeks and full weight bearing at 6 weeks. Sutures were removed at 8 weeks without anesthesia. Two patients were lost for follow up after complication, one foreign patient returned to his country with good results, 26 tendons underwent physical examination at an average follow up of 15 months; 20 underwent ultrasound examination and Cybex testing.

Two patients experienced reruptures after suture removal; 2 patients fell a few days after repair and had rupture of the suture; both were treated with a cast. There were no infection, skin necrosis, hematoma, neurological injuries, or deep vein thrombosis. Eighteen patients were free of pain, 7 had intermittent pain and one permanent pain. Active and passive ankle motion were similar to the contralateral side. Calf circumference measurements on the repaired and normal extremities showed a difference of less than 3 cm in 4 cases, less than 2 cm in 13 cases and 9 patients had symmetrical calves. The average difference between the width of the repaired and normal tendon was 0.5 cm. Clinical documentation of muscle strength was normal in 9 cases, decreased in 14 cases. Three tendons could not be tested. Using the Trillat and Mounier-Kuhn score, 12 patients were rated excellent; 7 good, 7 fair and 4 poor (4 complications). Ultrasound examination demonstrated homogeneous and fibrilate structure in 10 cases. The width of the tendon was found increased in all cases. The strength, power and endurance testing performed on Cybex at 90 degrees and 180 degrees/second and compared to the normal ankle, averaged 65 p. 100 for plantar flexion.

Complication rate of operative and conservative treatment were compared to percutaneous repair. The results of Cybex testing points out the advantages of early mobilization after Achilles tendon rupture treatment. Ultrasound examination is useful to guide post operative rehabilitation and sports activities. All patients return to work more quickly after percutaneous repair.

Percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon is a simple, easy and reliable technique. It seems to fulfil the required conditions: bringing closer tendon ends, maintenance of strong contact, preservation of all anatomical and histological factors inducing healing and a rapid return to social and working activities.